Casual New Year Friday

Few of us are immune to the irrational urges that accompany the turning of the calendar pages from one year to the next. There is something hope-inspiring about a fresh batch of weeks and months in which to pursue our goals. One of my goals for this year is to become even better at caring for missionaries. Closely related is my desire to be even better at equipping you to do the same. With that in mind, here is this week’s collection of missionary care resources.

Begin with the basics

I for one am determined to learn how to slow down and live in the moment. To fully enjoy God’s presence in the present. Dr. David Benner concurs. Chances are, you—as well as every missionary you know—would benefit from his advice.

Taking the time to listen

Marian Vischer offers these thoughts on why all of us need to quiet our lives enough to really hear from God. Missionaries are notorious for burning the candle at both ends, but that does not necessarily mean they are giving off more light. You should do this, and you should encourage your friends on the field to do it, too.

Practice being your future self

Peter Bregman’s article in the Harvard Business Review challenges us to focus on where we want to end up more than on where we currently are. Good advice. All of us, missionaries included, should be continually growing. To get to where we want to be we will need to learn how to practice doing things that seem to be unproductive in the moment.

What’s your plan?

(You do have one, don’t you?) Kay Bruner prompts us to create a plan. Not a plan for what we want to do, but for what we want to be. Goes great with Peter’s article above. You and I need to have a self-care plan before we can ask our missionary friends to create one.

Recharging the body without neglecting the soul

John Piper wrote this for pastors, but it is equally applicable to missionaries.

This is only possible if we give the first priority to knowing God, not working for God.

Sarita Hartz pulls no punches with this post about perfectionism. In our quest to improve ourselves; in our desire to have a fruitful ministry; in our drivenness to please God, we need to stop and ask ourselves some serious questions. And then we need to listen to what God has to say in our answers.

Do you resemble these remarks?

Back in October I attended a workshop where Scott Shaum surveyed the two dozen missionary care providers on these very topics. Yikes! If you are more than a casual care provider, you need to beware of these problems. We cannot serve well when we are spiritually anemic ourselves. And by the way, do Scott a favor and share this with your network.

“You can kiss your family and friends good-bye and put miles between you, but at the same time you carry them with you in your heart, your mind, your stomach, because you do not just live in a world but a world lives in you.” ― Frederick Blechner

Marilyn Gardner has been on both sides of that equation. Her thoughts for how to cope will be most useful to you.

It may be a new year, but the same old need for funds hasn’t changed. (It may have even intensified, with cost-of-living increases, exchange rate fluctuations, growing family size…) Matt shares his “code of ethics” in raising support. Perhaps your missionary friends would appreciate this?

David Grissen passes on this important article about something overseas travelers need to know. For you when you go visit, and for those you love serving overseas. Educate yourself on this topic.

For homeschooling parents

There are many, many moms and dads on the mission field trying to juggle ministry with homeschooling responsibilities. Elizabeth Trotter shares about how she learned to protect her sanity in that process.

This bears repeating

Michele Phoenix has written about MKs and isolation. Powerful stuff that will definitely help you relate to MKs. Many of you may not have seen the original post, so I’m passing it on now.

Looming Transitions…

…is now available as an audio book! Amy Young’s book is one of the best tools available for helping missionaries transitioning on or off the field. This version is an excellent alternative for those who might prefer to listen rather than read. And it’s on sale right now for a ridiculously low price (as in $5 people!). You could give a bunch of these away at that price!

And now for a little (serious) humor

Jerry Jones relates what it’s like to leave the mission field for a short break over the holidays. I know, the holidays are just past. But Jerry’s thoughts may give pause to those who are considering a quick trip next time around.

That’s it for this week. May God grant you encouragement and perseverance in your pursuit of the goals he’s implanted within your soul. And may he multiply your effectiveness in caring for missionaries. Thanks for reading.

1 Comment

I fully agree with the importance of learning to live in the moment – and am honoured to be included in the recommended resources offering ways of making this a reality.

Blessings to all who seek to follow this path. God’s presence can be guaranteed The only question is whether or not we turn up in presence ourselves – this being the pre-requisite to knowing God’s presence.